#ABArare - Northern Lapwing - Virginia (and updates from elsewhere)

After a bit of a respite, the Northern Lapwing parade continues. On Nov 20, there was a sighting of this Code 4 species at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The refuge is located on the coast south of Virginia Beach, as short distance from the border with North Carolina. The lapwing was found by Natasha Hagemeyer and Robyn Nadolny when they noticed a Bald Eagle chasing it. It was subsequently seen by an ornithology class from Old Dominion University led by Dr. Eric Walters.

The lapwing was in the main lagoon to the west of the visitor center, visible from the left observation boardwalk. At this time, I'm not sure, but I believe the location can be seen on this map. A photograph of the bird can be seen on Hagemeyer's eBird checklist.

In other lapwing news, the pair on Nantucket was still present as of Nov 17 (no positive or negative reports since then as of Nov 20) and the single bird at Bridgewater, MA was present as of Nov 20. The bird at Middleboro was reported around Nov 14, and there was a report of one at Allens Pond, South Dartmouth, MA on Nov 16, which was not refound. Over in New York, the pair at Montauk on Long Island was last seen Nov 14. A lapwing was found at Canso, Nova Scotia on Nov 13 and was still there on Nov 19.

Northern Lapwings at Montauk, New York on Nov 12. Photo By John Shemilt.